4 months, first lessons and Dr. Mom

4 months:

Well, its official, he's 4 months this week! We had his Dr's visit yesterday and he's 24 1/2 inches long (in the 32%) and 14lbs 14oz (in the 47%). We're kind of surprised actually, I would have guessed a good 36-37lbs, lol! But he's doing just fine. Mom-mom had to come along because he needed more shots and I don't do shots so well. But he was great. I think he hated being held down on a piece of paper thing they cover the table with more than actually getting the shots. But the Dr seemed impressed, he could do everything developmentally that she asked. We're a little disappointed that she doesn't think he's quite ready for food yet.... she says when they start consistently waking up at night to start which sounds crazy to me, I like my 10pm-4am sleep and would really prefer we don't reverse so we'll wait another week or two but he has been getting up earlier and earlier so I think it will be time to start soon.

First lesson:

My son, genius that he is, has realized how much faster and easier a bottle is to take than to nurse. Tuesday and Wednesday when I got home from work, he decided he was NOT going to nurse and just screamed till we got a bottle for him, which of course he drank right down. I'm rally not ready to stop nursing yet! So at the Dr's yesterday I asked, "He's starting to not want to nurse because he knows the bottle is easier, I guess there is nothing I can do about that huh?" And she, with a smirk, said of course you can, don't give him the bottle. To which I answered I would be bringing him to her place while he screamed bloody murder. But she assured me she did it with her kids and that he would learn. So was my mission when we got home for his 1:30 feeding. I started about 1pm, thinking it would be best if he wasn't starving yet. And sure enough he laid on the boppy on my lap for 40 minutes, screaming most of the time, while I wiped the little tears from his face and just quietly prayed he would "get it". And sure enough, Dr's know what they're talking about. He eventually did. Of course he was so tired by then I had to really work at keeping him awake to eat but he did it so I'm chalking that one up to score one for mommy. We do realize that we may have our hands full. This little guy is WAY more stubborn than either his mom or dad (especially when we were that age) so this was probably a lesson for both of us and I am well aware that we'll have many more to come. But I guess the point is he got it (not that I think its over, I'm gearing up for another struggle here in about a half hour) but he'll learn....its all part of parenting I suppose, tears (on both our parts, mine just came later!), and smiles:) (which I got after he was rewarded with a two hour nap on my lap and woke up the happiest thing ever, nice they don't hold grudges!)

Dr. Mom:

Both my boys are sick. Max has a slight fever and a cough and daddy is nursing some kind of bug. They're both sleeping upstairs right now. We're hoping it passes quickly. Max seems in good spirits and his cough only woke him up once last night so it wasn't bad. Its just so sad to hear it on such a little guy. Dad called off work and is taking the day to rest. We have big plans to be gone all weekend so we have to see what happens...

We've had a bit of a heat wave so my neighbor and I decided to take a walk Saturday. Of course Max was sleeping but I thought it would be good for him but in picking him up, putting him in his snowsuit, in the stroller and 2 laps around the block, he was still like this! He did finally wake up then but man was he OUT!

The other week we were at a friend's house and they have this big rocking Tiger that I put Max on and he just loved (got the big "I think I'm so cool" eyes) so when Nate and I went for our first date night on Saturday, we stopped by the kids consignment shop (yes, date night included a trip to Babirs R Us too, lol! but we did have a nice Japanesse Steak house dinner as well) and found this little pony. Its great cause its small. Of course he can't do it by himself yet but he loves it. I had to give the poor pony a hair cut though cause Max was trying to eat it. Nate thinks poor pony's new do looks like how I used to cut Barbie's hair to make her look like a man (I didn't have enough Ken dolls) but it seems to be a little better for Max. Of course it sings a
Pretty Pony" song that just plays in my head ALL day long!

I'm growing!

He's just getting so big. I finally got around to taking some random pictures that I wanted. He's just too cute, I want to be able to remember him like this! He's doing great, he had a sleepy week which usually means a growth spurt. We go next week for his 4 month and I can't wait to hear his measurements. But he's also getting so grown up. We're letting him be a bit more independent these days. We don't go running when we hear him at night and he's learning to settle himself which is nice. He is a huge sucker, everything goes in his mouth. He likes his paci but also sucks his fingers and hand too, we're not sure which is worse....but it calms him instantly so we go with it. He's also able to play more, he's still grabbing and swatting at things so its nice that he can amuse himself like that. He still loves his new gurgle talk that he does. He's really just hours of entertainment. Its amazing how spoiled the first babies are but you just can't help it!

Here are some cute ones:

With neighbor Rowan, gonna be best buds in a few years!

He loves bath time:

Mini Eagle:

Nothing New

16 weeks tomorrow

Sorry its been a while, we really don't have much to report. I'm not sure what we're always busy doing but the days seem to pass so quickly and Max is getting so big! We're in between Dr's visits so I'm not sure what the measurements are but he feels SO heavy. He's doing great, getting over a little cold but he seems to be getting better. One of the most exciting recent developments is his laugh. He usually just has a little laugh (mostly when Daddy tickles him) but last week, oddly enough he was just nursing and stopped and looked up at me with all smiles (can you tell why it takes him an hour to nurse, we have many pauses like that) and just did a HUGE belly laugh. It was the greatest sound ever, of course it made Nate and me laugh so he continued for a couple seconds. We haven't had another one yet but we're waiting anxiously!

He's a tubbo wubbo! He's taking almost 7oz when he takes his bottle. We're still on the same eating schedule and he's sleeping well at night. We still have no regular nap schedule but that's pratically my fault cause our sleeping habits are different when mommy is around to sleep in with and I'm too selfish to give up sleeping in with my boy to try to work out a schedule. I'm pretty sure when we go for our 4 month visit we'll start on cereal, should be fun.

He's starting to recognize routine which is fun, like he knows when his bath is coming and what happens with that process (not that it stops him from screaming for his bottle afterwards even though he gets it the same time EVERY night). He's also able to control himself more to swat at and hold toys which is kinda fun. He's still at a tough age though where he really wants to do more but just can't. Its these weeks when I'm glad I have a bouncer, swing, play mat, jumper, AND pack and play cause we kinda go from one thing to the next fairly quickly, though on his calmer days he'll chill with one for a while.

We actually made it out for a walk last week during our one day of 40 degree heat wave! I'm afraid he'll be allergic to fresh air, poor thing.

So anyway, here are some new pics, don't you wanna just pinch those cheeks!!!

He sat up to the table for Grandpa Jeff's B-day dinner, that was his tomato there. Dad was just trying to get rid of it.

He can't touch the floor yet (daddy sometimes puts a phone book under him!) but there is lots to do on this thing so it keeps him entertained!

Who's that handsome boy??

Sorry, but the gear didn't work. Luckily we have a lot of yellow to wear on Sunday.

Take before the game obviously....

He loves his peanut shell, how funny does he look! Oh and another trick he's learned is to pull mommy's hair so I got it all cut off, you can kinda tell, though this isn't my most fashionable picture...

It puts him to sleep sometimes, even while vacuuming! (Oh, and I got my Haan steam floor cleaner so I'm ready to be spic and span without chemicals for a mobile little man.)

3 Months...and as big as George!

Can you believe it....today is 3 months! (What else I can't believe as I'm uploading these pictures off the camera is how much mini-Nate is starting to look a lot like his mama. I'll have to dig up some baby pictures to compare! Its funny how they can look so much like both parents!)

For some reason this seems right this time, doesn't feel like we've had him forever but doesn't feel brand new either.

People sure are right, they really start to come into themselves by 3 months. Besides growing like a weed, he's changing so much. Along with being all smiles so much of the time, he's talking up a storm these days, just long rambles. Wouldn't you love to know what they're saying (or maybe not!). He always likes to watch daddy, he can stare at him forever. Of course I know why:)) But, much to his embarrassment, I do just have to mention what an awesome dad Nate is. Its a pet peeve of mine, fathers who are almost incapable of taking care of their children or never have much alone time with them. But not only is he a huge help all the time but with our work schedules he has him at least one day and one evening a week by himself and even did bath, bottle, bed time all by himself last night. From day one he's been right there, not only loving his son to death but really taking a big part in caring for him in all ways and its just such a help and relief to me!

What a little tubbo he's becoming, its so darn cute!

The poor thing is starting to loose some of the beautiful hair of his too...can't wait to see how its going to grow in, daddy's started our straight and soft too!

On the last day of Christmas

And we're done....we had a great visit with Grandpa and Grandma Diana!

It seemed to be cool hat day!

We had such a fun first Christmas with our Maxwell! It seemed a lot more stressful this year, I think just worrying about his feeding and sleeping schedule but we had so much fun and got lots of great new things which we appreciate!

So..... since its the new year, that means it was time for me to go back to work. It was definitely one of the saddest weeks of my life. I can't imagine why anyone would actually choose to work over being home with their baby! But, as I look at our situation I can realize how truly blessed we are and how wonderfully God answers our prayers and will always provide for us. I'm lucky enough to work for a great company that has allowed me to come back on a part time basis, which I recognize is difficult for a small company to do, but we seem to work well together so they think its worth giving a try. I am hourly now of course but even got a small raise over what my old salary hourly rate would be and when you look at the pay of part time work, I can be very thankful for that. It may mean that I only have to keep the 2 houses I clean and hopefully won't have to pick up any more. And then to have it work out that my mom is able to watch Max 2 days and Nate on the 3rd it is just such a comfort. I only have to miss him and not have to worry about him. Otherwise I think he'd be in a soundproof box under my desk! And having Nate right downstairs is always a big help and so much fun to have him around more often. There is a part of me that is happy to feel connected to the real world again, but as I sat today, unshowered in clothes with spit up all over them, trying to wash dishes, do laundry, put away Christmas presents and having many conversations with my smiling son (who has learned to ramble this week!) I know that mommyhood is my #1 job and nothing could be more fun! We have him down to a decent schedule, I can feed him twice in the early morning before I leave and they've managed to get him to hold off till I get home to nurse again so he's only missing 2 feedings with mom (of course he's been taking bottles well for months). We also have a bath, bottle and bed routine at night now, and have managed to get him to bed by 9pm most nights so that's nice for sleeping time. (Side note: the bedtime bath wash seems to work really well!)

So our reflections of 2008 are very fond of course. Max is just awesome. We're not one for making big resolutions for the new year, I'd of course like to loose the last 8lbs (only to maybe, possibly start gaining it by the end of the year:)) and Nate would like to really work on the basement and garage. But what we look forward to most is just seeing our son grow learning all the new awesome things that will come this year for him; and just when we think he can't get any cuter, he keeps surprising us!

On the 4th day of Christmas...

We've now been through 4 of 5 days of Christmas and been having a blast. Max survived a CRAZY weekend back "east". Saturday we were at my Mom-Mom Mogel's with all the crew there being passed around like a hot potato and showing off our smiles. After our sleepover with Noah we made another visit to Great Mom-mom Paul's to see Great Mom-mom, Grandpa and Aunt Julie. And then one last stop to see friends Ryan and Missy. He was a TROOPER! I'm so proud. But I have to say I don't think I've ever seen him happiest as he was on Monday to sleep in, stay in jammies all day and just have some quiet mom and dad time.

First sleep over, not that either of them knew it, still can't wait till they can really play, though they were holding hands for a little:)

But then Christmas continues when Aunt Ellie, Uncle Josh and cousins Luke and Emma come for New Years. We got lots of fun new stuff and are having tons of fun playing with our cousins.

Aunt Ellie finds the coolest clothes!

Four down and one more to go when Grandpa and Grandma Diana come out Saturday...for now we're still enjoying Aunt Ellie and family being in town. And having both Grandma's here for pork and sauerkraut (which I have learned my lesson is NOT something Max enjoys) to ring in the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Poor guy missed his first ball drop! But thanks to Daddy, mom got to sleep in.... luckily he caught a quick nap!

Cousin Emma and Max were having a singalong! He loved having her sing to him and even tried to sing back to her!

And we got a great family shot!

Christmas #1

We have many Christmas celebrations in our family but of course Christmas Day is the first. What a special one this year to celebrate it as a family. Max treated me to 6 hours of sleep, the best gift ever!

Christmas Eve, after church, begins the marathon watching of daddy's favorite 'A Christmas Story', he couldn't wait to introduce Max to it. Of course the Christmas outfit Aunt Ellie bought him was a hit at church, I mean can you get any cuter....

But of course that's the first of much Christmas attire....

Max was so excited to see that Santa came and brought daddy, I mean Max, a Hess truck! He did seem to think the lights and noise it made was pretty cool.

Can you tell I bought this a month ago, tubo is busting out of it! But he doesn't seem to care...

Some day I'm gonna pay for this, I just have a feeling...

Being this cute really tires a reindeer out!

I told everyone Max was their Christmas gift and I meant it, everyone got pictures of the boy. (Yes it was our turn to be those sucker parents who spend WAY more than they intend at a photo shoot:))

Since I haven't updated for a while... in other news...

My mom got moved into her new house. It looks so nice all freshly painted and all new floors. She would like some new furniture and still has the kitchen to unpack but its coming along nicely and its such a cute home.

We're grateful that Nate is working from home with all the miserable weather we've been getting, lots of rain and ice of course. Max and I keep busy at my mom's or getting ready for Christmas or hanging out with friends from church (he loves his play dates of course). Its amazing how busy you can be with just one little one, I can't imagine two right now (though am starting to get a little anxious already:)).

Without realizing it we're actually starting to get into somewhat of a routine. It really depends on if its a hungry or sleepy day and if he takes a bottle or is breastfed (he generally lasts longer if he takes a bottle, a whole 6oz already piggy! and its pretty much split half and half at this point to how he eats depending on what's going on). He'll go down around 10pm give or take an hour and has been sleeping till anywhere between 3am and 4:30am (by 4:30am I have to wake him up to eat for my own sake anyway but he's usually stirring by then). Then he'll sleep for another few hours till anywhere from 6:30am-8am. He may wake up sometimes but usually either settles himself or we have to give him paci and he'll conk back out. Then we eat again mid morning, mid afternoon, around dinner time and again anywhere from 8-9:30pm. We've also started nap time this week. He sleeps on and off all day long but had been getting somewhat cranky if he didn't have a real good sleep (which sometimes he can just do downstairs in his bouncer and he sleeps pretty well) but we've been going back up to the crib after the afternoon feeding. Its working ok, we spend half the time in the glider sometimes but he'll get used to it and its nice for me to be able to get some things done, he's pretty good at sleeping through a lot of noise if he's downstairs but I still can't get done everything I can if he's upstairs in his nursery. So we're doing good, eating lots, pooping lots and entertaining a ton. He's just so much fun, I always knew this would be amazing but you just can't imagine it till it happens to you.

As I sit downstairs on a belly full of cookies (which is no way to loose the last 10lbs) and can hear my husband and son "talking" upstairs and our families have all gone home safely after a wonderful day together, I can realize how truly blessed we really are and I really did get the best Christmas gift!

Of course the greatest Christmas miracle came many years ago...

Luke 2:1-14
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (KJV)